Detailed and accurate digital 3D models can be produced with 3D scanning devices, which allow to convert reality in digital form in a cost- and time-effective manner. The capabilities of this technology and the global methodology are presented here in a synthetic manner. Moreover, we focus on the main issues which are preventing its wider use in contemporary applications, such as: the considerable user intervention required, the usually incomplete sampling of the artifact surface and the complexity of the models produced. Another emerging issue is how to support the visual presentation of the models (local or remote) with guaranteed interactive rendering rates. Some practical examples from the results of current projects in the Cultural Heritage field will be shown.